DUI Offenders: Driving Under Influence Laws & Consequences

Every driver across the country should remember the reminder “Don’t drink while you drive”. However, more and more drivers are becoming reckless. According to statistics, 40% of the car wrecks that occurred in people under 24 in the country are caused by driving under influence. People are drinking and driving at an alarming rate prompting the state to impose stricter laws and an all-out campaign to enforce DUI laws.

Every driver would want to know why DUI is such a big deal. What is considered DUI? What are the punishments of DUI offenders? And what are the DUI consequences if found guilty of an offense? These are just some of the questions you want to know. As it is, a DUI arrest can trigger a series of events that you would not want to be in.

The same DUI laws govern each state, but these may slightly vary on the proceedings, punishments, and washout period although one thing is clear, a DUI offense once committed repeatedly will become a felony offense. How will the arresting officer know that an individual is under the influence?

Majority of the states use two methods to determine if you are drinking while driving: first, if an arresting officer observes that you are physically impaired to drive and you are asked to stop; and second, if you will be asked to take the breath test and your BAC registers 0.08%. You will face heavier DUI consequences if BAC exceeds 0.15%. For minors under 21 and for commercial vehicle drivers, it requires lower alcohol content or zero tolerance.

As mentioned, there are slight variations in the DUI and DWI laws imposed by each state, but one thing is definite, you will be arrested and you will face two charges. One is a criminal case and the other is a Department of Motor Vehicle case. The former case will determine an offender’s punishments and penalties like jail time, community service, and fines, which range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

The latter case is critical for DUI offenders. A certain grace period is given to file for an administrative hearing to plead for your case. Failure to file within this period will result to the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. This administrative case will also determine the suspension time of your driver’s license.

There are so many things that can happen if you violate driving under influence laws, not to mention the shame and humiliation you will be facing from your arrest to the implementation of your punishment. If you are a habitual offender, you will face heavier punishments and the chances of getting your license back will be slim.

In all these events, from your arrest to your conviction, it is of utmost necessity to employ the services of a DUI lawyer who is well-versed with the DUI and DWI laws of the state where have been arrested.

While it is best not to drink and drive, resisting the temptation to do so is very hard. Just remember that this act is not tolerated by the state laws, so better safe than sorry.